See The Would Be Train Robbers

Grapevine, Texas

Would-Be Train Robbers

To see the much talked about Would-Be Train Robbers in Grapevine, you have to look up. About 75 feet high, to be exact, to the Grapevine Glockenspiel on the corner of Main and Hudgins streets.

Though popular in Europe for many years, a Glockenspiel Clock Tower is not a common United States finding. The story of the Grapevine Glockenspiel includes a Texas twist in the tale of Would-Be Train Robbers Nat Barrett and Willy Majors.

Each day at Noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., these two characters emerge from the Grapevine Glockenspiel. The story is set in 1890 and both characters have come to Grapevine to rob the train of its $60,000. When they meet up in the saloon and discover they both have the same plan, a gunfight ensues. What Nat and Willy (as well as all those watching) learn, is that crime doesn’t pay.

Please note: When wind gusts exceed 25 mph, 30 minutes before the scheduled appearance, Nat and Willy will not emerge.

Please arrive a few minutes early and read the storyboards located in the viewing plaza to learn the history of these two colorful characters. Afterwards walk across the street to the Grapevine Visitor Information Center, located inside the same complex as the Grapevine Glockenspiel Clock Tower. At the Grapevine Visitor Information Center, guests can find a variety of information on Grapevine accommodations, events, activities and more.